The Internal Revenue Services has said that it will drop a lawsuit against UBS, the world’s largest private bank, following confirmation from Switzerland that it is on track to produce details for the remaining 2,450 of 4,450 American clients suspected of using UBS accounts for tax evasion. The IRS has received 2,000 thus far.
Although this provides some respite for UBS and the Swiss banking system, the impending disclosures themselves could bring more litigation against those professionals that may have facilitated tax evasion.
William M. Sharp, a tax lawyer who represents a number of former UBS clients, told the New York Times that some Americans among the 4,450 names had hidden accounts of more than $100 million. While it has not happened yet, the IRS has indicated that if all 4,450 names are received by this fall, it may withdraw the John Doe summons, a separate request for 52,000 UBS client names.
